has anyone sandblasted a valve cover **? i have access to one and want to be sure the cover can withstand it. TIA

Bead blast it, or use nut shells. They take longer to achieve a desired result but don't bite as hard as sand.

Go for it. I did mine with a sandblaster. Just get some fine silica (glass beads). Enjoy!
-Tim

Either tape everything off really well, or once you think you've gotten it clean enough, clean the oil gallies and all for another 2 hours. The beads will get caught in every nook and cranny where there is old deposited oil and will self destruct your engine. Be 110% sure you get them all out!

John